Overview
The Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin, Tasmania preserves the traditional wooden boatbuilding craft through hands-on courses, guided tours and restoration projects, keeping maritime skills alive for future generations.
A community-owned organisation, located on the Huon River in Franklin – we deliver practical, hands-on training through short courses, extended programs and accredited marine construction apprenticeships. Students learn traditional skills such as lofting, clinker and carvel construction, timber selection, steam bending and finishing, working with Tasmanian timbers under the guidance of experienced boatbuilders. Alongside training, the Centre undertakes restoration and construction projects for private owners and community organisations, ensuring important vessels and maritime heritage are preserved and returned to service.
Visitors are welcome to experience the working boat shed through guided tours, where they can see traditional craftsmanship in action and learn about the region’s rich maritime history. Our small retail space offers locally made wooden items, books and boatbuilding souvenirs.
The Wooden Boat Centre operates with the support of a dedicated volunteer community whose time and skills help sustain training opportunities for young and old and maintain the facility. New volunteers are always welcome to contact us by phone email or in person. Every course, tour and project directly supports our educational programs, helping to pass practical skills, confidence and craftsmanship
on to the next generation while strengthening community connections and preserving Tasmania’s wooden boat heritage.
📍 Location: 3333 Huon Highway, Franklin
📞 Phone: (03) 6266 3586
📧 email: info@woodenboatcentre.com
🌐 Website: woodenboatcentre.com
🔗 Social Media:www.facebook.com/woodenboatcentre/
